Which Island is known as the Emerald Island of India?

Did you know that India has more than 1,200 beautiful islands spread out across the blue sea? An island is a small piece of land surrounded by water. 

Some islands are in the Bay of Bengal, and others are in the Arabian Sea. Many of them have special nicknames, such as the "Coral Paradise" or the "Jewel of the Sea". 

Each island has its own wildlife, white sandy beaches, and clear water. But can you guess which place is called the Emerald Island of India? In this article, we will explore this hidden gem.

ALSO READ| Which Island is known as the Island of Fire?

Which Island Is Known As The Emerald Island Of India?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit in the Bay of Bengal and are often called the Emerald Islands of India. 

This name reflects the area's lush greenery and the bright, jewel-like colour of the sea. About 1,200 kilometres from the Indian mainland, this Union Territory includes 572 islands, but only a few are inhabited.

These islands are known for their important location, unique tribal history, and the famous Cellular Jail in Port Blair. The area also has India's only active volcano and some of the world's cleanest coral reefs.

IN CASE YOU MISSED| Which Ocean Has the Maximum Number of Islands?

10 Lesser-known Facts about Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Source: Lotus Arise

• The islands are home to the Sentinelese people, one of the last "uncontacted" tribes in the world, who live in total isolation.
• Before 1950, the islands used shells as currency in local trade.
• Barren Island is home to the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.
• The scenic view printed on the back of the old pink ₹20 note is actually a photograph taken from Mount Harriet in the Andamans.
• The state animal is the Dugong, a gentle sea cow that is currently vulnerable to extinction.
• These islands host the largest nesting ground in the world for the massive Leatherback sea turtles.
• To protect the marine ecosystem, commercial fishing has been banned around the islands for decades.
• It is believed that the name "Andaman" is derived from Handuman, the Malay variation of the name of the Hindu deity Hanuman.
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag here in 1943, making it the first part of India to be freed from British rule.
• The Nicobar Islands are famous for the Nicobar Breadfruit, a rare, wedge-shaped fruit that is a staple for the local tribes.

FOR YOU| Which Place Is Known as the Coconut Island of India?

Why Is the Emerald Island a Natural Treasure of India?

Source: Andman Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer more than just scenic beauty. They serve as a real-life classroom for learning about nature and science.

1. A Sanctuary for Rare Wildlife

• These islands have plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world.
• Many unique birds, such as the Andaman Wood Pigeon, live only in these forests.
• The islands are also home to giant robber crabs, the world's largest land-living crabs, which can even climb palm trees.

2. The Underwater Rainforests

• Coral reefs around the islands work much like underwater forests.
• These reefs protect thousands of fish species and help keep the ocean healthy.
• The reefs also act as a shield, protecting the coastline from strong waves and storms.

Conclusion

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are often called the Emerald Island of India, and it’s easy to see why. Their green forests and colourful coral reefs make them a natural wonder. These islands also reflect India's rich history and remind us why it’s important to care for our environment.

WHAT'S NEXT| Which is the Largest Island in the World by Area?